V5C Logbook: Report Changes & Apply to DVLA Online
The V5C, better known as the logbook, is one of the most important documents your car has, and getting it wrong when you buy, sell or change something can cost you money and hassle. Here is exactly what the V5C is for, what you are legally required to tell the DVLA, and how to do it in minutes online.
What the V5C actually is
The V5C records who the registered keeper of a vehicle is. That is an important distinction: the registered keeper is the person responsible for taxing the car and for any fines or penalties, but being the keeper is not the same as being the legal owner. It is proof of who looks after the car, not proof of who bought it. Keep that in mind whenever you buy privately.
When you must tell the DVLA
You are legally required to notify the DVLA whenever the details change, including when you:
- sell or give the car to someone else, or buy one
- change your name or move house
- scrap, write off or export the vehicle
- change the vehicle itself, for example the colour, engine or fuel type
- put a private or personalised registration on, or take one off
Failing to tell the DVLA when you sell can leave you liable for tax and for any speeding or parking penalties the new driver runs up, so it is worth doing straight away.
How to do it online
Almost all of these changes can be done free on gov.uk in a few minutes. When you sell to a private buyer, you notify the DVLA of the sale online and hand the buyer the green "new keeper" slip (section V5C/2) so they can tax the car right away. The DVLA then automatically refunds any full remaining months of tax to you and posts the buyer a new V5C in their name. Selling to a dealer or scrapping the car has its own simple online notification, and moving house or changing your name is a free online update too.
Buying a used car? Check the logbook matches
When you view a used car, check the details on the V5C match the car in front of you: the registration, the VIN stamped on the vehicle, the make and colour, and the number of previous keepers. Anything that does not line up is a red flag. It also pays to look beyond the logbook, because the V5C will not tell you about outstanding finance or a hidden write-off. A quick free vehicle check shows the MOT and tax status, and a full vehicle history check, with data provided by Experian, reveals finance owing, write-offs, stolen and scrapped markers and more. If you are financing the purchase, you can explore your finance options too.
Common questions
Is the V5C proof I own the car? No. It shows the registered keeper, not legal ownership.
How long does a new V5C take? Usually up to five days when done online, longer by post.
Can I tax a car without the full V5C? Yes, using the reference number on the green new-keeper slip when you have just bought it.
I have lost my logbook, what do I do? Apply for a replacement V5C, which currently costs £25.
Do I need to tell the DVLA if I just move house? Yes, and it is free to update online.
Keeping your logbook accurate and telling the DVLA promptly protects you from bills and penalties that are not yours. And whenever you are buying, a quick free check on the reg is the smartest first step.
Frequently asked questions
Does the V5C prove I own my car? No. The V5C only shows who the registered keeper is, which is the person responsible for tax and fines, not proof of legal ownership.
How long does it take to get a new V5C? It usually takes up to five days when applied for online, and longer if you apply by post.
Can I tax a car without the full V5C logbook? Yes. You can tax it using the reference number on the green new keeper slip, section V5C/2, if you have just bought the car.
How much does a replacement V5C logbook cost? A replacement V5C currently costs £25 if you have lost your original logbook.
Related reading
Check any car’s MOT, tax and value for free, then explore finance if you want it.
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